Expect Bigger Jackpots!

Mega-Changes to the MegaMillions Lottery

US Powerball has been in the news recently, paying out the biggest single jackpot win of $758 million* USD to one lucky winner Stateside. Perhaps MegaMillions have decided that they want a share of the limelight, because they are making some major changes to their rules which should lead to increases in jackpots. We’ve got all you need to know right here.

Due to legislation coming into effect in 2019, we can no longer offer lottery betting and as such some content may no longer be relevant.

MegaMillions will have new rules in place in time for the draw which takes place on Tuesday evening October 31st, 2017 (Wednesday in Australia). Having customarily been the bridesmaid to US Powerball’s bride in terms of record-breaking jackpots, these new rules should allow MegaMillions to compete for the title of world’s largest jackpot. Of the top 15 highest lottery jackpots of all time, 12 are currently held by US Powerball with MegaMillions making up the other three. Expect that balance to change once the new rules are up and running.

Note: Mentions in the above image are in USD.

Bigger Jackpots

Up until now the MegaMillions lottery required that you choose 5 numbers from 1 to 75 plus a Megaball from 1 to 15. From October 28th when the rule changes come into effect, you will instead pick 5 balls from 1 – 70and a Megaball from 1 to 25. The minimum jackpot will also be boosted to $40 million USD (approx. $50 million) from the current $15 million USD (approx. $18 million). While the changes to the numbers drawn may seem minor, in fact this affects the probability of wins in a number of different ways.

It will become more difficult to win the main jackpot once the rule changes have been implemented, as the odds will increase to more than 300 million to one from around 250 million to one (which is what the odds are now). This will mean more rollovers, which in turn will mean higher jackpots – that’s why we may well see a record-breaking MegaMillions jackpot as soon as next year. However, the rule changes also make it roughly 30% easier to win the second division $1 million prize, so we can expect to see more MegaMillions millionaires as well.

All of the lower division prizes are expected to double in value, so even though the main jackpot will be more difficult to win it is good news when it comes to all of the lower tier prizes.

The draws will still take place every Tuesday and Friday night in Atlanta, Georgia USA at approximately 11pm, which equates to 1pm AEST/3pm AEDT on Wednesday and Saturday in Australia.​

MegaMillions Prize Changes

Prize Division

Current Prize Value

New Prize Value

I (5 numbers + Megaball)

68% of the prize pool

75% of the prize pool

II (5 numbers)

1 million USD

1 million USD

III (4 numbers + Megaball)

5,000 USD

10,000 USD

IV (4 numbers)

500 USD

500 USD

V (3 numbers + Megaball)

50 USD

200 USD

VI (3 numbers)

5 USD

10 USD

VII (2 numbers + Megaball)

5 USD

10 USD

VIII (1 number + Megaball)

2 USD

4 USD

IX (Megaball)

1 USD

2 USD

Of course you will still be able to bet on MegaMillions at Lottoland, where the rule changes will come into effect at the same time. This means that Australian Lottolanders will benefit from the improved odds of winning that $1 million* USD second division prize, and can also bet on what we expect to be those enormous jackpots going forward. MegaMillions has lain down a market for US Powerball with these rule changes, so we wait to see whether the other American giant lottery will respond.

Lottoland is a bookmaker, and not a lottery operator. You cannot purchase entries in any lottery via Lottoland. Lottoland allows you to bet on the outcome of lotteries from around the world. The website is operated by Lottoland. Lottoland has no relationship or affiliation with the operators of the lotteries. Bets do not contribute to the prize pool. Payouts are made in AUD, exchange rates apply.

* Divisions 1 to 3 for bets on the US Powerball and US MegaMillions are subjected to a 38% reduction, whilst Division 1 bets are paid out as 30 year annuity or discounted lump sum as per T&C’s. US Powerball is not connected to the Australian Powerball. Divisions 1 to 3 for bets on SuperEnalotto are subject to 12% reduction as per T&C's.